Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-25

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

More and more people nowadays visit well-known places to take photographs of themselves, without looking at the place.

Why do you think this is happening?

Is it a positive or a negative trend?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.0)

Nowadays, traveling to famous landmarks has become an integral part of modern lifestyles. While many tourists visit these sites primarily to take photos rather than engage with the surroundings, others argue that people should thoroughly research a destination before embarking on a trip. This essay will examine both perspective

On the one hand, social status and online influence drive many to visit landmarks without prior knowledge of their significance. Driven by peer pressure or a desire to showcase their lifestyle on social media, individuals often travel to famous spots simply to post photos, regardless of whether the location aligns with their actual interests. Furthermore, some travelers assume that basic prior knowledge—such as learning about historical sites in school—is sufficient, unaware of how environmental changes or overtourism may have altered the current condition of these sites.

On the other hand, conducting thorough research before traveling ensures a far more fulfilling and smooth experience. First, traveling can be financially demanding; researching destinations in advance helps tourists determine whether a site is genuinely worth the time and expense. Additionally, knowing about available amenities, medical facilities, and regional transport options is critical, particularly when traveling with children or elderly relatives. Finally, understanding potential language barriers enables travelers to prepare effectively, avoiding unnecessary logistical challenges.

In conclusion, although taking photos allows people to document their journeys, traveling without understanding one's destination often leads to superficial experiences. Acquiring essential knowledge prior to travel ensures safety, practical efficiency, and a deeper appreciation of the culture.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The essay addresses both parts of the prompt: the reasons for the trend and whether it is positive or negative. However, the response is slightly under the 250-word minimum, which impacts the development of ideas. While the reasons for the trend (social media, peer pressure) are clear, the discussion on whether it is a positive or negative trend is somewhat implicit rather than explicitly argued. To reach a higher band, you should ensure that your position is clearly stated in the introduction and consistently supported throughout the body paragraphs. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points, but the overall development of the arguments feels a bit rushed due to the length constraint.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion' effectively to link your points. However, the transition between the two body paragraphs could be smoother to better connect the 'reasons' with the 'evaluation' of the trend. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the referencing is generally clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'integral part,' 'embarking on a trip,' 'logistical challenges,' and 'superficial experiences.' The language is generally natural and appropriate for the task. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To improve, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions to show a wider range of lexical control. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinate clauses effectively, such as 'while many tourists visit...' and 'unaware of how environmental changes... may have altered.' The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. To achieve a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as inversion or more advanced conditional forms, while maintaining the high level of accuracy you have already demonstrated.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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